(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Event Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen gets ready for Italian Fest, sponsored by LiUNA Local 1329. The event is noon to 11 p.m. Saturday in downtown Iron Mountain.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain will celebrate the taste and culture of old-world Italy on Saturday.

The 16th-annual Italian Fest kicks off at noon at the downtown stage area with an opening ceremony by Mike Izzo. The festival, sponsored by LiUNA Local 1329, will conclude at 11 p.m.

“As in the past, the day will be filled with music, food and activities,” said Kenzie Williamsen, Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority event coordinator. “It will be a lot of fun for everyone.”

Three musical groups will provide this year’s entertainment. The duo Jan & Gino will play for the early crowd from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., with Kind of Blues returning to the Italian Fest stage from 3 to 6 p.m.

Closing out the festival will be Safe Sax featuring Michael Prusinsky of Port Washington, Wis., on sax and vocal from 7 to 11 p.m.

The U.P. Dance Academy will perform twice on the downtown stage, at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Mike LoDuca with Lo Duca Wines also returns to offer his expertise with samplings.

“He will be bringing about eight different types of wines this year,” Williamsen said.

“We are really excited to have him back.”

Four Seasons Beer Distributors will offer a large variety of beer and other spirits.

Crispigna’s Italian Market and Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts are working together to bring authentic cuisine as well as other menu options.

“There will be plenty to choose from,” Williamsen said. “Crispigna’s will also be bringing healthy salads — this is great for those who can’t eat the pasta.”

Dulce Nulla will feature cannoli, an Italian dessert, along with other gluten-free items.

Back by popular demand is the Grape Stomp and Italian Dinner Toss.

The Grape Stomp, sponsored by Super One Foods, is set for 2:40 p.m., with the Italian Dinner Toss, sponsored by Tadych’s Family Market, starting at 2:50 p.m.

“Participants of all ages love these two events,” Williamsen said. “The audience also gets a kick out of watching them.”

The children’s area will be open longer this year, from noon to 6 p.m.

“First National Bank donated a little extra, so we were able to extend the hours,” Williamsen said.

They will have four different inflatable pieces, including bounce house, giant slide and a 30-foot obstacle course.

Williamsen said the extended hours should allow families to enjoy the event through dinner time, rather than being rushed with it ending at 4 p.m. in the past.

The DDA will conduct a basket raffle, sponsored by Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant. For every basket the DDA provides, Spiro’s will match with a gift card and a bottle of wine for those older than 21.

“I’m excited about this one,” she said, adding they plan to have about 10 baskets with a value of more than $100 each, giving away over $1,000 in prizes this year.

The DDA still needs volunteers for the second and third shifts of the event.

New for the volunteers this year — along with the free entry and beverage tickets — is $10 in food vouchers for the vendors.

“You are able to experience Italian Fest on us if you want to become a volunteer,” Williamsen said.

Layout for the festival will have a slight change but offer more covered seating, she said.

In addition to signature sponsor LiUNA Local 1329 and children’s area sponsor First National Bank, the DDA event is supported by sponsors Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, Northern Interstate Bank, Slumberland Furniture, Dickinson Homes, Spiro’s Restaurant, 41 Lumber, DTE Energy, Erickson Jewelers and Radio Results Network.

Admission is $10 at the door, with ages 12 and younger getting in for free.

As in the past, the DDA has partnered with Tour de Dickinson, which takes place Saturday morning. Any participant in the family fun bike event will receive free admission to Italian Fest.

Those who aren’t taking part in the race can visit the Farmers Market from 8 to noon and spend the rest of the day at Italian Fest.

“There will be a little bit of everything going on that day downtown,” Williamsen said.

For a complete schedule or to find out more about DDA events, go to IMDowntown.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.